FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Mad Ants, sponsored by Lutheran Health Network, after an extended road trip, returned home Thursday night where they fell to the Iowa Energy 94-103 at Allen Co. War Memorial Coliseum.

Despite quick play from the home team, the Mad Ants found themselves trailing at the half 49-60 with Andre Emmett leading the team with 11 points and Gary Talton with 9 of his own. Indiana Pacers assignee, Shayne Whittington, found early playing time with 4 first half points.

In the second half, newly acquired Mad Ant and former Indiana Hoosier, Will Sheehey, gained not only his first few minutes as a Mad Ant but his first points as well. Sheehey finished the night with 8 points in front of an electric crowd. The Mad Ants pushed within four late in the fourth quarter, but could not take over control of the lead from Iowa. Emmett led all scorers on the night with 25 points, while CJ Fair ended his night with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Whittington finished with 5 points in his Mad Ants debut.

For the Energy, Diante Garrett would lead with 23 points and Russ Smith would end with 17 points.

The Mad Ants will be back in action Saturday, January 31st when travel to Maine to take on the Red Claws for a 7:00 p.m. match-up.